OverviewFord's E-Series full-size van has been the best-selling full-size van in the U.S. since 1980, according to Ford, accounting for nearly 50 percent of full-size van and cutaway sales in 2006 by the company's figures. The 2008 model year marks the first major alteration to the E-Series since 1992, and only the fifth major revision since Ford introduced its first flat-nose van nearly 50 years ago.

The 2008 E-Series is not a completely new design. Rather, Ford has grafted a Super Duty-like nose that offers bold styling while increasing airflow to the engine, according to the company. Though all sheetmetal forward of the windshield pillars is new, Ford notes that other sheetmetal, including doors and seat mounting points, are unchanged, which will save third-party companies that use the E-Series cutaway as a base for everything from ambulances to Class C RVs the cost of major re-tooling, the company claims. Suspension, steering and braking changes improve the E-Series' ride, Ford says, while increasing the carrying capacities of its heavy-duty version.

Model LineupFord offers the 2008 E-Series van in several configurations. Passenger versions are available in E-150 and E-350 Super Duty (SD) form, with higher numbers denoting higher carrying capacities, as well as the extended-length (15-passenger) E-350 SE. Cargo vans come in E-150, E-250 SD, and E-350 SD forms as well as extended-length E-250 SE and E-350 SE. Ford also makes cutaway chassis versions of the E-350 and E-450 with varying wheelbases and single- or dual-rear-wheel configurations.

PowertrainThe base engine for the 2008 Ford E-150 and E-250 is a 4.6-liter V-8 that puts out 225 hp at 4800 rpm and 286 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm. It comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 5.4-liter V-8 engine (255 hp at 4500 rpm, 350 lb.-ft. of torque at 2500 rpm) with either a 4- or 5-speed automatic transmission is optional on E-150 and E-250 and standard on E-350 and E-450. The E-350 and E-450 offer Ford's 6.8-liter Triton V-10 engine, which puts out 305 hp at 4250 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 3250 rpm, and comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

SafetyAll 2008-model Ford E-Series vans come with driver and passenger front air bags and anti-lock brakes, while E-350 passenger models with the 5.4-liter V-8 engine get Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system with Roll Stability Control (RSC). E-Series vans without AdvanceTrac get an engine-only traction control system, or EOTC.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not subjected the 2008 Ford E-Series to either frontal- or side-impact crash tests. However, both E-150 and 15-passenger E-350 models were subjected to the government's rollover test. The E-150 received 3 out of 5 stars, while the E-350 received 2 stars.

TechnologyThe EOTC system in the 2008 Ford E-Series uses the anti-lock brake sensors to detect wheel spin. While typical traction control systems use a combination of braking individual wheels and reducing engine torque to quell wheel spin, the EOTC system uses reduced engine torque exclusively. This simplifies the system, Ford says, and reduces brake wear and makes for a more seamless driving experience.